Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a business model in which companies incorporate social and environmental considerations into their operations and stakeholder relationships. In the context of sustainable businesses, Corporate Social Responsibility is not merely an add-on or marketing tool; it is a structural principle that guides decision-making across the value chain.
Now that sustainable business models gain traction globally, Corporate Social Responsibility has evolved into a critical driver of long-term value creation. According to the OECD (2025), integrating CSR into core strategies enhances organizational resilience while addressing broader societal challenges such as climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity. Unlike traditional firms, sustainable businesses view CSR as foundational – prioritizing environmental stewardship, ethical governance, and community engagement alongside financial performance.
This approach ensures that businesses not only meet legal obligations but also actively contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as those outlined by the United Nations in Agenda 2030. By aligning Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives with SDG targets—such as reducing emissions, improving labor practices, or supporting inclusive education—sustainable businesses help shape a more equitable and environmentally secure future.
In this article, we examine the changes between 2024 and 2025 and identify what has evolved.
- 1 The Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility
- 2 Corporate Social Responsibility in Sustainable Business: 2024–2025 Outlook
- 3 2024 vs 2025: CSR Metric Comparison
- 4 Business Case for CSR: Stronger Than Ever
The Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility
The roots of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be traced back to the philanthropic activities of 19th-century industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, who believed in contributing to societal well-being. The modern concept of Corporate Social Responsibility began to take shape in the mid-20th century, with Howard R. Bowen’s seminal work, “Social Responsibilities of the Businessman.” The subsequent decades saw the rise of social movements and environmentalism, which pressured companies to adopt more responsible practices.
In the late 20th century, frameworks such as John Elkington’s “triple bottom line” emphasized the need for businesses to focus on social, environmental, and financial performance. The adoption of global standards, like the UN Global Compact and ISO 26000, further formalized Corporate Social Responsibility practices.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Sustainable Business: 2024–2025 Outlook
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) continues to play a critical role in sustainable business strategies worldwide. As global expectations shift and regulatory frameworks evolve, companies are under increasing pressure to align profits with purpose.
We will now examine the key CSR metrics and developments in 2024 and compares them with emerging trends and statistics from 2025, highlighting what has changed – and what remains consistent.
Key CSR Statistics from 2024
In 2024, CSR efforts were strongly aligned with consumer behavior, employee satisfaction, investor expectations, and corporate brand loyalty. Key figures included:
Consumer Behavior and CSR
- 77% of consumers preferred to buy from companies committed to positive social impact.
- 90% were willing to switch to brands that supported a good cause.
- 66% were prepared to pay more for sustainable products.
- 88% sought information on a company’s CSR activities, and 84% were likely to share this with others.
Employee Engagement and Retention
- 93% of employees valued purpose-led companies.
- 95% believed businesses should benefit all stakeholders.
- 92% were more likely to recommend their employer if it had a strong CSR mission.
- 60% said they would accept lower pay to work for a socially responsible company.
Investor Preferences
- 73% of investors factored CSR into decision-making.
- Companies with strong CSR initiatives were 50% more likely to succeed in new markets.
Brand Loyalty and Corporate Reputation
- 84% of consumers would stop supporting brands with poor environmental records.
- 88% believed it was unacceptable for companies to profit at society’s expense.
Industry Focus: CSR in Agriculture
Agriculture was a key sector where CSR showed strong integration, driven by the need for environmental stewardship and social equity. In 2024, key practices included:
- Sustainable farming (e.g. crop rotation, organic methods)
- Water conservation
- Animal welfare standards
- Local community investment
- Ethical supply chains and fair trade
- Climate mitigation and transparency in sourcing
CSR Developments in 2025: What Changed?
In 2025, CSR practices showed both continuity and transformation, marked by institutional integration and regulatory pressure.
1. Integration into Business Strategy
Companies increasingly moved from ad hoc CSR initiatives to embedding CSR into core operations. CSR is now directly linked to KPIs, employee performance, and innovation pipelines, rather than being a stand-alone philanthropic effort.
2. Shift Toward Green HRM
Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) became a standard approach in large firms such as Unilever and HCL Technologies:
- Employees are now assessed on sustainability participation.
- GHRM boosted retention, customer satisfaction, and trust – especially in SMEs in the Middle East.
3. Regulatory Influence and Reporting
Driven by the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), more companies began publishing standardized CSR reports. Key data include:
- CSR reporting increased from 72% in 2024 to 76% in 2025.
- ESG risk screening transactions rose by 16.2%.
- Companies on ESG watchlists grew by 42.7%, indicating stronger compliance scrutiny.
4. Investor Behavior
Investor interest deepened:
- Europe’s ESG assets rose to €15.8 trillion, now comprising 48% of global sustainable investments.
- Tools like the EU Taxonomy sharpened investor evaluation of CSR performance.
5. Consumer Engagement and Brand Loyalty
While updated percentages on consumer behavior were not all re-reported, qualitative analysis confirmed:
- High engagement with ethical brands continued.
- Companies increasingly used sustainability KPIs in marketing and brand strategy.
- Brand trust remained highly dependent on CSR performance.
6. AI and Ethics
As AI integration advanced, companies began addressing CSR-aligned digital ethics, focusing on:
- Bias prevention
- Transparency in automated decisions
- Responsible data governance
7. Decline in DEI Priority
One notable shift was a reduced corporate focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), particularly in the U.S. Some companies began pulling back DEI efforts in favor of broader ESG compliance and cost reduction.
2024 vs 2025: CSR Metric Comparison
| CSR Indicator | 2024 | 2025 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global CSR Market Value | $331.43 billion | $353.21 billion | ↑ 6.6% CAGR |
| CSR Reporting (Companies) | 72% | 76% | ↑ Rising transparency |
| ESG Risk Screening (Swiss Re) | 108,029 transactions | 125,520 transactions | ↑ Due diligence growth |
| ESG Watchlist (Swiss Re) | 3,388 firms | 4,834 firms | ↑ Stricter enforcement |
| Consumer Brand Loyalty (CSR-driven) | 77–90% range (varied by metric) | Similar qualitative behavior confirmed | ↔ Consistent behavior |
| Employees preferring purpose-led firms | 93% | Embedded via GHRM in key companies | ↑ Operationalized |
| Willingness to accept lower pay | 60% | Not reconfirmed in 2025 | ↔ Unclear |
| CSR integration into HR/performance | Limited | Now widespread in leadership/HR systems | ↑ Institutionalized |
| ESG Investment Share (Europe) | 46% | 48% | ↑ Growing dominance |
Notable Trends Shaping CSR
- Accountability Deepens: CSR is now enforced through formal KPIs, board oversight, and ESG-linked executive compensation.
- NGO-Corporate Partnerships Mature: Non-profits increasingly collaborate with firms using predictive analytics and co-ownership models for impact.
- Transparency Becomes Non-Negotiable: Scope 3 emissions tracking and third-party audits are now essential for CSR credibility.
Business Case for CSR: Stronger Than Ever
Across both years, the business case for CSR has only grown stronger. Organizations that integrate CSR are experiencing:
- Improved employee retention and satisfaction
- Enhanced consumer trust and brand loyalty
- Stronger investor confidence
- Easier entry into regulated markets
- Higher long-term valuation and resilience
For sustainable businesses, CSR is both a strategy and a societal obligation. By aligning purpose with profitability, companies can drive long-term success while delivering measurable benefits to people and the planet.
